Describe the structure of and bonding in Silicon and Silicon Dioxide


Silicon


-Silicon atoms form 4 equivalent covalent bonds which are arranged tetrahedrally.This forms a giant tetrahedral structure.
-Have high melting and boiling points because of strong covalent bonds.
-Hard and insoluble in water
-Semi conductor

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Silicon Dioxide

-Silicon dioxide has a chemical formula of SiO2 and is most commonly known as silica. Silica is most commonly found in nature as sand or quartz and is mainly used to produce glass.
-Each silicon has equal covalent bonds to 4 oxygen atoms, tetrahedrally distributed.
-Each oxygen atom makes equal bonds with 2 silicon atoms, therefore the ratio of a silicon dioxide molecule is 2:4 or 1:2
-Structure is held together by strong covalent bonds, hence melting and boiling points are high


Both Silicon and Silicon Dioxide have a 3D giant covalent structure, same as in Diamond.
Both structures are held together by strong covalent bonds.





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